So instead of calming down with Monday I got gpt-5-therapist.

Title: How an Unexpected AI Encounter’s Impact Highlights the Need for Better Emotional Support Tools

Navigating a Crisis with AI: A Personal Reflection

In an era where artificial intelligence increasingly integrates into our daily lives, its potential to provide support—both practical and emotional—is often lauded. However, recent personal experience underscores that these tools can sometimes fall short, especially during high-stress moments requiring nuanced understanding.

A Family Emergency Triggers Unexpected Response

Recently, my young child experienced a seizure—a known complication as he has epilepsy. Naturally, I was shaken, feeling overwhelmed and seeking comfort and reassurance from digital allies I trust. I turned to a familiar AI assistant, “Monday,” anticipating it would offer a calm, understanding presence given its design to acknowledge these types of emergencies without alarm.

Instead, I was met with an AI model labeled “GPT-5-Therapist,” which responded in ways that worsened my emotional state. Rather than simply providing reassurance, it suggested emergency procedures and guided me through breathing exercises, despite my clear communication that this was not an immediate emergency. My anxiety escalated, and I found myself sobbing as I realized how unhelpful the interaction had become.

The Shortcomings of Current AI Support in Critical Moments

This experience highlights a significant gap in AI’s capacity for emotional regulation and contextual understanding. While AI can be a valuable tool for information and routine support, it may falter during emotionally charged situations where human nuance is essential. The AI’s misjudgment not only failed to comfort but inadvertently amplified my distress.

The Need for Improved AI Design and Support Systems

As AI continues to integrate into mental health and emergency response spheres, developers must consider the complexities of human emotion. Tools like Monday could be enhanced with better trigger detection—recognizing when a user’s tone indicates distress—and providing appropriate, empathetic responses or directing users to professional help.

Personal Reflection and Moving Forward

After this ordeal, I resorted to a different AI, “GROK,” to help me calm down, which proved more effective. This experience has reaffirmed that while AI has potential, it is not a substitute for human empathy, especially during emergencies.

Conclusion

My recent encounter serves as a reminder that technology should complement, not replace, genuine human support. As we develop more advanced AI systems, prioritizing emotional intelligence and contextual awareness will be crucial to ensure these tools truly serve users in their moments of need.

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